KIRIGALPOTHTHA, THE SECOND HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SRI LANKA, IS ONE OF THE BEST HIKING ROUTES IN THE ISLAND. THIS WEBSITE UPDATES ON EXCITING PLACES FOR HIKING & CAMPING AND ALSO SHARES INFORMATION OF SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS IN SRI LANKA.

05 February 2010

Bena Samanala

This is not Sri Pada but a look-a-like mountain. Also it is one of the closest mountains from Sri Pada. This particular mountain is called Bena Samanala. ‘Bena’ means son-in-law and Samanala is another name for Sri Pada Mountain.

Although it is smaller than Sri Pada this mountain is not a miniature model of it. In fact, Bena Samanala stands over 6500 feet above sea level.

Betchai,There is lot of mist and clouds at these heights and i had to wait for some time to get a clear picture of it. in fact it was completely coveerd with clouds. Yep now it looks like volcanic steam :) Thanks a lot for your comments!

Betsy,Sri Pada is about 7300 feet and this is 6500feet. So the difference is about 800 feet.Thanks a lot for your comments!

Rainfield,Yes, I have heard this is a quite challenging mountain to surmount.

Amila,Thanks for your comments!

Chavie,Hope you have surely seen this from the Eastern side. Infact it has twin peaks. If you have come via Rathnapura route, at a village called Gilimale, (Before Palabaddala) this is the only peak you see towards Sri Pada. Since Gilimale is in a valley Sri Pada is covered with closer mountains including Bena Samanala. Also on misty day, you might see Bena Samanala but not Sri pada, making it a false peak :)